Spackle container lid having working surface

ABSTRACT

Apparatus configured for attachment to a spackle container and provide thereby a surface for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/220,011, filed on Jul. 21, 2008, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the field of tools used by carpenters and painters. In particular, the present invention is directed to a tool used to facilitate the spackling of sheetrock during dry wall construction. In particular, the present invention is directed to a novel spackle container lid that can be used as a working surface for the spackle.

Generally spackle is provided in a bucket or some other container. When a worker is applying spackle during drywall construction, the spackle must be removed from its container and placed upon a flat surface. Generally, a worker will use a large trowel or other flat type surface as the working surface. The present invention is directed to a device that is used in conjunction with the lid for the spackle container to provide a flat easily cleanable surface on which the spackle can be worked.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various deficiencies of the prior art are addressed by the present invention of an apparatus such as a spackle container lid configured for attachment to a spackle container and provide thereby a surface for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a substantially planar upper portion including said working surface, said upper portion having a rounded proximate edge and a straight distal edge; and a lower portion generally disposed below said rounded proximate edge of said upper portion and configured for attachment to a lid receiving portion of a spackle container to seal the spackle container thereby.

One embodiment of the present invention comprises a working surface for spackling compound comprising a flat surface connected to a spackle container lid wherein the flat surface is generally larger in length and width than the spackle container lid and is connected to a top surface of the spackle container lid and the container lid contains a lip to seal onto the top of a spackle container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the present invention installed on a typical spackle container;

FIG. 2 is side plan view of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a typical use of the present invention.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in terms of the presently preferred embodiment thereof as illustrated in the drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many obvious modifications may be made to this embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

The present invention is illustrated in the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the container lid 10 is intended to form a replacement for existing lids to fit onto the top of the bucket 12 or other spackle container.

The present invention comprises a flat working surface 14. The present invention further comprises a connector 16 on its bottom. The connector 16 replaces the lid on the spackle bucket 12 and allows the working surface 14 to fit tightly and securely onto the top of the spackle bucket 12. The working surface 14 is fabricated from plastic or other like materials. This type of material provides a smooth working surface that is relatively easy to clean after use.

In practice, the user will remove the needed quantity of spackle from the container in a conventional manner. The user will replace the connector 16 onto the container 12 and it will be securely sealed thereon. The quantity of spackle is then placed onto the working surface 14. The user then works with the spackle to seal the drywall.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing is merely one embodiment of the present invention and many obvious modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, a working surface for spackling compound comprises a flat surface connected to a spackle container lid wherein the flat surface is generally larger in length and width than the spackle container lid and is connected to a top surface of the spackle container lid and the container lid contains a lip to seal onto the top of a spackle container.

As noted above, the container lid apparatus 10 of the various embodiments is intended to form a replacement for existing lids to fit onto the top of the bucket 12 or other spackle container. As is known in the art, such lids comprise a circular connector comprising a protruding annular portion adapted to be received by a corresponding recessed annular portion disposed at the top of a bucket 12 or other spackle container. In operation, the protruding annular portion of the lid is inserted into the corresponding recessed annular portion at the top of the bucket to provide thereby a compression-based connection between the bucket and lid. This connection is airtight and strong. In fact, in various configurations the use of an opening tool such as a screwdriver or special-purpose lid remover tool may be necessary to disconnect/remove the lid from the bucket.

Thus, the connector 16 described above and shown in the various figures generally comprises a circular connector in which a protruding annular ring is disposed between an inner portion associated with a inner diameter D_(IN) and an outer portion associated with an outer diameter D_(OUT). The protruding annular ring is adapted to mate with a corresponding recessed annular ring associated with a lid receiving portion of a spackle container 12. That is, since the connector 16 is adapted to mate with the spackle container 12 in the same manner as the original lid used to seal the spackle container 12, the geometry of the protruding annular ring of connector 16 is substantially the same as that of the original spackle container lid.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the present invention installed on a typical spackle container. As shown in FIG. 1 and generally described above, one embodiment comprises an apparatus 10 that is configured to be attached to a spackle container 12 to provide thereby a surface 14 for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container. It can also be seen that the apparatus 10 includes a rounded edge RE and a flat edge FE. The rounded edge generally has a contour similar to that of the spackle container 12 upon which the apparatus 10 may be attached. Thus, in various embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be provided in a plurality of sizes to match corresponding spackle container sizes (e.g., height, quart, gallon and so on).

FIG. 2 is side plan view of the present invention as viewed from the flat edge FE side of the apparatus 10. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 2 that the apparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including the working surface 14, as well as a bottom portion BOT including the connector 16.

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the present invention as viewed from the rounded edge RE side of the apparatus 10. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 3 that the apparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including the working surface 14, as well as a bottom portion BOT including the connector 16.

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the present invention as viewed from one side of the apparatus 10 in which the rounded edge RE is to the right of the viewer and the flat edge FE is to the left of the viewer. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 4 that the apparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including the working surface 14, as well as a bottom portion BOT including the connector 16.

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the present invention as viewed from one side of the apparatus 10 in which the rounded edge RE is to the left of the viewer and the flat edge FE is to the right of the viewer. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 5 that the apparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including the working surface 14, as well as a bottom portion BOT including the connector 16.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the present invention in which only the working surface is visible. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 6 that the working surface 14 defined by the upper portion TOP of the apparatus 10 comprises a proximate end having a rounded edge RE and a distal end having a flat edge FE. As depicted in FIG. 6, substantially straight sides SE-1 and SE-2 separate the proximate and distal ends of the working surface 14. It can also be seen by inspection of FIG. 6 that a transition between the rounded edge RE of the proximate end and each of the substantially straight sides SE-1 and SE-2 occurs at corresponding curvature end points CE-1 and CE-2. Moreover, it can be seen that the each of the substantially straight sides SE-1 and SE-2 meets the flat edge FE of the distal end to form thereby a respective corner portion.

It can also be seen by inspection of FIG. 6 that the working surface 14 comprises a solid working surface having no apertures or openings. It can also be seen by inspection of FIG. 6 that the apparatus 10 has a width W generally conforming to the length of the flat edge FE of the working surface 14.

In one embodiment, the width W associated with the apparatus 10 is substantially equivalent to an outer diameter D_(OUT) of a circle projected in accordance with the shape of the rounded edge RE of the working surface 14 (e.g., a circle representing an opening of a bucket or spackle container 12). In other embodiments, the width W is greater than the outer diameter D_(OUT).

In one embodiment, the corner portions formed where the substantially straight sides SE-1 and SE-2 meet the flat edge FE of the distal end are rounded to provide thereby respective rounded corners RC-1 and RC-2. It should be noted that while rounded corners having a particular radius parameter are depicted, rounded corners having a radius parameter greater than or less than the radius parameter of the depicted rounded corners may also be provided in various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the present invention. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 7 that the connector 16 comprises a circular connector adapted to fit or mate with a corresponding circular connector of spackle container 12. It can also be seen by inspection of FIG. 7 that the connector 16 as well as an underside 14′ of working surface 14 comprise solid surfaces having no apertures or openings. Thus, when the connector 16 of the apparatus 10 engages the lid receiving portion of a spackle container 12, air is denied entry to the spackle container 12, while any product remaining in the spackle container 12 is denied exit from the container 12. In this manner spackle or other product in the container 12 is kept in operable condition. Moreover, the strong connection made between the connector 16 and lid receiving portion of container 12 provides a stable platform to secure the apparatus 10.

It can also be seen by inspection of FIG. 7 that the rounded portion of connector 16 generally conforms to the rounded edge RE of the apparatus 10, while the flat portion of the underside 14′ of working surface 14 conforms to the straight or flat edge FE of the apparatus 10. It can also be seen by inspection of FIG. 7 that the straight or flat edge FE of the apparatus 10 protrudes beyond the outer diameter D_(OUT) of the connector 16 by an overlap length amount OL. Thus, in one embodiment, the apparatus 10 is larger than the bucket or spackle container 12. Specifically, when the apparatus 10 is mechanically coupled to or in mechanical communication with the spackle bucket 12 the working surface 14 protrudes beyond the spackle bucket 12 by an overlap length amount OL.

It can also be seen by inspection of FIG. 7 that the connector 16 generally comprises a circular connector in which a protruding annular ring (PAR) associated with a width W_(PARr) is disposed between an inner portion associated with an inner diameter D_(IN) and an outer portion associated with an outer diameter D_(OUT). The protruding annular ring has a width that is adapted to mate with a corresponding recessed annular ring associated with a lid receiving portion of a spackle container 12.

Since the connector 16 is adapted to mate with the spackle container 12 in the same manner as the original lid used to seal the spackle container 12, it is noted that the geometry of the protruding annular ring of connector 16 is substantially the same as that of the original spackle container lid.

As previously noted with respect to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the width W associated with the apparatus 10 is substantially equivalent to an outer diameter D_(OUT) of a circle projected in accordance with the shape of the rounded edge RE of the working surface 14.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a typical use of the present invention. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 8 that the apparatus 10 is connected to a spackle container 12. As previously noted, such connection is made by joining connector 16 (not visible) of the apparatus 10 to the lid receiving connector (not visible) of the spackle container 12. It can also be seen in FIG. 8 that a human hand 810 associated with a worker is grasping a spackling tool 820 to work a quantity of spackle 830 disposed upon the working surface 14 of the apparatus 10. Is noted that the plan or orthogonal view of FIG. 8 is such that the rounded edge RE is partially occluded by the spackle 830, while the flat edge FE is fully visible. As previously noted, the spackling tool 820 may be cleaned by scraping it against the flat edge FE of the apparatus 10.

As generally described above, and referring to the various figures, one embodiment comprises an apparatus 10 that is configured to be attached to a spackle container 12 to provide thereby a surface 14 for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container. For example, FIGS. 1 and 8 clearly show the apparatus 10 installed upon a spackle container 12 such that the working surface 14 supports a quantity of spackle 830 that may be worked by a person 810 via a spackle knife or tool 820. It is noted that the spackle tool 820 includes a substantially flat edge 822 such that spackle may be applied to a wall or other surface as is known in the art.

The apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a substantially planar upper portion TOP including the working surface 14, the upper portion having a rounded proximate edge RE and a straight or flat distal edge FE. The apparatus 10 according to this embodiment also includes a lower portion generally disposed below the rounded proximate edge RE of the upper portion and including a connector 16 configured for attachment to a lid receiving portion of a bucket or spackle container 12 to seal the spackle container thereby and mechanically support the apparatus 10 in a mounted or operational configuration on top of the spackle container 12.

As previously noted, the connector 16 of the apparatus 10 is adapted to mechanically communicate with the corresponding connector of a bucket or spackle container 12. Thus, in various embodiments the connector 16 is adapted in configuration and/or geometry to support spackle containers having non-annular lid connection arrangements (e.g., such as arrangements including square, triangular, rectangular or other noncircular shapes), non-compression connection mechanisms (e.g., positive locking mechanisms, latching mechanisms and the like) and/or other variations.

Is contemplated by the inventors that the apparatus 10 may be adapted to fit buckets or spackle containers 12 of any common size, such as pint, quart, gallon, liter and so on. Moreover, it is contemplated by the inventors that various embodiments of the apparatus 10 may have a width W substantially the same as or greater than the diameter of a spackle container 12.

The spackle container lid of the various embodiments may be included as an original equipment lid on spackle containers sold by manufacturers. The spackle container lid may also comprise an aftermarket apparatus sold separately from spackle containers.

Although primarily discussed within the context of spackle containers, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various embodiments benefit any relatively viscous working product such as spackle, spackling paste, putty, caulk, joint compound, plaster and the like. As is known in the art, spackle or spackle paste is used to fill holes, small cracks and other minor service defects in wood, drywall, plaster and the like. Spackle and related materials may be provided in a heavyweight, lightweight or middleweight variety, where the specific variety selected for the job depends upon the job to be performed (e.g., the size of the hole or defect to be filled, the type of material with the hole or defect, and so on).

While the foregoing is directed to various embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. As such, the appropriate scope of the invention is to be determined according to the claims, which follow. 

1. Apparatus configured for attachment to a spackle container and provide thereby a surface for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container, the apparatus comprising: a substantially planar upper portion including said working surface, said upper portion having a rounded proximate edge and a straight distal edge; and a lower portion generally disposed below said rounded proximate edge of said upper portion and configured for attachment to a lid receiving portion of a spackle container to seal the spackle container thereby.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lower portion includes a connector adapted to be received by said lid receiving portion of said spackle container.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said connector has an inner diameter D_(IN) and an outer diameter D_(OUT), said inner and outer diameters defining thereby a protruding annular portion adapted for insertion into a recessed annular portion associated with a spackle container to connect thereby said apparatus and said spackle container.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rounded proximate edge and straight distal edge are separated by substantially straight side edges.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the straight distal edge and substantially straight side edges are separated by rounded corner portions.
 6. A spackle container lid configured for attachment to a spackle container and provide thereby a surface for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container, the apparatus comprising: a substantially planar upper portion including said working surface, said upper portion having a rounded proximate edge and a straight distal edge; and a lower portion generally disposed below said rounded proximate edge of said upper portion and configured for attachment to a lid receiving portion of a spackle container to seal the spackle container thereby. 